Zucchini & Fennel Italian Meatloaf Recipe

I found myself with an extra fennel bulb wondering what to do with it. So I flipped through some cookbooks (actual cookbooks, I love feeling the paper!) and discovered this recipe in The Simple Art of Eating Well. As a bonus, it used zucchini as well! This time of year you can never have too many recipes that use zucchini.
This meatloaf was one of the best I’ve ever had. It wasn’t too dense, and was very moist because of the zucchini. The Italian flavor was a nice change of pace. Although a bit fussy for a weeknight, it’s definitely worthwhile!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
1 medium shallot, minced
1/2 cup fennel
2 tablespoons marinara
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or line with tinfoil or parchment paper.
In a medium microwaveable bowl, microwave the zucchini, fennel, shallot and water for about 4 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Drain and cool.
Meanwhile, whisk egg, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, salt, paprika and pepper in a large bowl. Add vegetables and combine. Add breadcrumbs. Add beef and gently combine, taking care not to over mix.
Form into a loaf shape and place on pan. Spread marinara on top of the loaf.
Bake until instant thermometer reads 160F, about 40-45 minutes.
Source: The Simple Art of Eating Well

Be sure to support our sponsor, Groundswell Community Farm.
You can pick up in-season vegetables from Groundswell at the following markets:Fulton St. Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8am to ~1:30pm
@ the north end of the market
1147 East Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The market is located a half block west of the corner of Fulton and Fuller Streets east of downtown. Groundswell Community Farm booth is located at the end stall on the North end, near Fountain St.

Holland Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 8am to ~1:30pm
May 17th to November
150 W. 8 th St.
Holland, MI 49423
Wednesdays from June through October
Groundswell Community Farm is usually near the west end of the market, about 8 stalls in on the north side of the aisle.